Temperature compensation circuit

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a temperature compensation circuit includes a bias circuit configured to output a bias current having a current value increasing in proportion to an absolute temperature in a low-temperature region, and having a greater current value than the current value proportional to the absolute temperature in a high-temperature region, and a transistor which is supplied with the bias current. The bias circuit includes first to third transistors, a fourth transistor through which a first current flows, a fifth transistor, a sixth transistor through which a second current flows, and a control circuit having a connection terminal capable of being connected with an external resistor for adjusting a magnitude of the second current. The bias circuit generates a third current by adding the first current to the second current, and outputs the bias current that is the third current or a fourth current depending on the third current.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Division of application Ser. No. 12/686,613 filedJan. 13, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromthe prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-6737, filed on Jan. 15,2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a temperature compensation circuit, forexample, for using in a wireless communication device.

2. Background Art

In a wireless communication device, particularly, in a power amplifier(high-frequency power amplifier) for a transmission system, temperaturecompensation is required.

In general, when a temperature characteristic with respect to a gain ofa common-emitter amplifier is desired to be flattened, a current thatflows in the amplifier is set to a PTAT (Proportional To AbsoluteTemperature) current that has a temperature characteristic proportionalto an absolute temperature. Theoretically, it is considered that thetemperature characteristic of the gain is thereby to be flattened. Forthis reason, this method is frequently used as a temperaturecompensation method in the common-emitter amplifier.

However, for a high frequency signal, the temperature characteristic ofthe amplifier causes a decrease of the gain at a high temperatureactually. The decrease of the gain is considered to result from variousfactors such as Ft (cutoff frequency) of a transistor and an increase inresistance of metal. For this reason, conventionally, the temperaturecompensation for the gain at a high temperature has been insufficient.

According to a technique disclosed in JP-A 2006-191482, the decrease ofthe gain at a high temperature is prevented by clamping a signal line bya diode to regulate a current that flows through the diode. However,this is not suited for a high-frequency processing circuit because alarge loss is brought about in the diode. For this reason, even thisconventional art cannot prevent the decrease of the gain at a hightemperature.

Therefore, there is a demand for providing a temperature compensationcircuit that can perform the temperature compensation of the gain at ahigh temperature. Particularly, because the decrease of the gain isattributed to various factors, there is a strong demand for providing atemperature compensation circuit that can finely adjust the temperaturecompensation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is, for example, a temperaturecompensation circuit including a bias circuit configured to output abias current having a current value increasing in proportion to anabsolute temperature in a low-temperature region in which a temperatureis lower than a predetermined temperature, and having a greater currentvalue than the current value proportional to the absolute temperature ina high-temperature region in which the temperature is equal to orgreater than the predetermined temperature, and a transistor having acontrol terminal supplied with the bias current, the bias circuitincluding a first current generating circuit configured to generate afirst current increasing in proportion to the absolute temperature, asecond current generating circuit configured to generate a secondcurrent that does not flow in the low-temperature region and flows inthe high-temperature region, and a control circuit configured to controlthe second current and having a connection terminal capable of beingconnected with an external resistor for adjusting a magnitude of thesecond current, the bias circuit being configured to generate a thirdcurrent by adding the first current to the second current, and outputthe bias current that is the third current or a fourth current dependingon the third current.

Another aspect of the present invention is, for example, a temperaturecompensation circuit including a bias circuit configured to output abias current having a current value increasing in proportion to anabsolute temperature in a low-temperature region in which a temperatureis lower than a predetermined temperature, and having a greater currentvalue than the current value proportional to the absolute temperature ina high-temperature region in which the temperature is equal to orgreater than the predetermined temperature, and a transistor having acontrol terminal supplied with the bias current, the bias circuitincluding a first transistor having a control terminal supplied with afirst control current or voltage having a current value or a voltagevalue changing linearly with respect to the absolute temperature, asecond transistor having a control terminal supplied with a secondcontrol current or voltage having a current value or a voltage valueindependent of the absolute temperature, a third transistor having acontrol terminal supplied with a third control current or voltage havinga current value or a voltage value changing linearly with respect to theabsolute temperature, a fourth transistor having a control terminalsupplied with a fourth control current or voltage having a current valueor a voltage value changing linearly with respect to the absolutetemperature, and having a main terminal through which a first currentflows, the first current increasing in proportion to the absolutetemperature, a fifth transistor having a control terminal connected tothe main terminal of the second transistor, a first main terminalconnected to the main terminal of the third transistor, and a secondmain terminal, a sixth transistor having a control terminal connected tothe main terminal of the first transistor, a first main terminalconnected to the main terminal of the third transistor, and a secondmain terminal through which a second current flows, the second currentnot flowing in the high-temperature region and flowing in thelow-temperature region, and a control circuit configured to supply thethird control current or voltage to the third transistor, and having aconnection terminal capable of being connected with an external resistorfor adjusting a magnitude of the second current, the bias circuit beingconfigured to generate a third current by adding the first current tothe second current, and output the bias current that is the thirdcurrent or a fourth current depending on the third current.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of atemperature compensation circuit according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating a temperature characteristic of a biascurrent;

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a temperature characteristic of a gain ofthe temperature compensation circuit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of the biascircuit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram where circuit blocks B₁ to B₉ are added tothe circuit diagram of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram where the circuit blocks B₁ to B₉ areextracted from the circuit diagram of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a temperature characteristic of a firstcurrent;

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a temperature characteristic of a secondcurrent;

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of potentialsat nodes N1 and N2;

FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a temperature characteristic of the biascurrent;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a biascurrent generating circuit according to a second embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a biascurrent generating circuit according to a third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of atemperature compensation circuit according to a first embodiment. Thetemperature compensation circuit of FIG. 1 includes a bias circuit 101,and a transistor Tr serving as a power amplifier.

The transistor Tr is a bipolar transistor, and includes a base terminalconnected to the bias circuit 101, a collector terminal connected to apower supply terminal, and an emitter terminal connected to a groundline GND. In the first embodiment, the transistor Tr is an NPN bipolartransistor. Alternatively, the transistor Tr may be a PNP bipolartransistor.

The bias circuit 101 is configured to output a bias current I_(B). Thebias current I_(B) outputted from the bias circuit 101 is supplied tothe base terminal of the transistor Tr. Further, an output current I_(O)is outputted from the emitter terminal of the transistor Tr.

The output current I_(O) is controlled by the bias current I_(B). Thebias circuit 101 adjusts the bias current I_(B) such that a temperaturecharacteristic of a gain becomes flat within a performance assurancerange of a circuit driven by the transistor Tr.

A method of adjusting the bias current I_(B) will be described withreference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating a temperaturecharacteristic of the bias current I_(B). In FIG. 2, a horizontal axisindicates an absolute temperature [K], and a vertical axis indicates acurrent [A].

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bias current I_(B) is adjusted so as toincrease in proportion to the absolute temperature in a low-temperatureregion in which a temperature is lower than a predetermined temperaturet1. In other words, the bias current I_(B) in the low-temperature regionis the PTAT (Proportional To Absolute Temperature) current.

On the other hand, the bias current I_(B) is adjusted so as to have agreater current value than the current value proportional to theabsolute temperature in a high-temperature region in which thetemperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperaturet1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bias current I_(B) in thehigh-temperature region has the current value larger than theproportional relationship indicated by a dotted line, and increasesgradually against the dotted line with an increase of the temperature.

A gain of FIG. 3 is realized by providing such a bias current I_(B) tothe transistor Tr. FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the temperaturecharacteristic of the gain of the temperature compensation circuit ofFIG. 1. In FIG. 3, a horizontal axis indicates an absolute temperature[K], and a vertical axis indicates a gain [dB]. As illustrated in FIG.3, in the first embodiment, the gain is corrected from a temperaturecharacteristic illustrated by a dotted line where the temperaturedecreases with increasing temperature to a flat temperaturecharacteristic illustrated by a solid line.

In this way, in the first embodiment, the bias current I_(B) is adjustedso as to have a current value increasing in proportion to the absolutetemperature in the low-temperature region, and to have a greater currentvalue than the current value proportional to the absolute temperature inthe high-temperature region. Consequently, in the first embodiment, thegain exhibiting the flat temperature characteristic is realized in boththe low-temperature region and the high-temperature region.

The predetermined temperature t1 shown in FIG. 2 is set to +25° C., anda range of use shown in FIG. 2 is set to a range of −40° C. to +90° C.,for example. The range of use means a temperature range where an LSIprovided with the temperature compensation circuit of FIG. 1 can beoperated normally. The above-described performance assurance range issynonymous with the range of use.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of the biascircuit 101 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, the transistor Tr is illustrated inaddition to the circuit configuration of the bias circuit 101.

Further, FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram where circuit blocks B₁ to B₉ areadded to the circuit diagram of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a circuit diagramwhere the circuit blocks B₁ to B₉ are extracted from the circuit diagramof FIG. 5.

Hereinafter, the bias circuit 101 will be described with reference toFIG. 6, and then details of the bias circuit 101 will be described withreference to FIG. 4. FIG. 5 will be referred to when the correspondencebetween FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 is described, after the description of thebias circuit 101 with reference to FIG. 6.

First, the bias circuit 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 illustrates a first control circuit 121 and the circuit blocks B₁to B₉.

The first control circuit 121 uses a current source which generates aPTAT current. The first control circuit 121 generates a voltage Vtincreasing linearly with respect to the absolute temperature. Forexample, the voltage Vt is a bandgap voltage. The voltage Vt isoutputted to the circuit blocks B₁ to B₃.

The circuit block B₁ is configured to control a magnitude of the PTATcurrent using an external resistor. Due to a large variation inresistance value of an internal resistor in an integrated circuit, theexternal resistor is employed to control the magnitude of the PTATcurrent in this embodiment.

In FIG. 6, the external resistor is indicated by R_(X). In FIG. 6, theexternal resistor R_(X) is provided in the circuit block B₄ connected tothe circuit block B₁. For example, the external resistor R_(X) is acommercially available resistive element. In general, a variation of aresistance value of the commercially available resistive element is muchsmaller than that of the resistor in the integrated circuit.

The circuit block B₂ uses a current source that generates a CTAT(Complementary To Absolute Current) current. The circuit block B₂combines the PTAT current and a Vbe voltage, and outputs the combinedPTAT current and Vbe voltage to the circuit block B₃.

The circuit block B₃ is configured to convert the PTAT current and theCTAT current into voltages, respectively, and output a PTAT voltage anda CTAT voltage to the circuit block B₅.

The circuit block B₅ is configured to compare the PTAT voltage and theCTAT voltage outputted from the block B₃. In the circuit block B₅, whenthe PTAT voltage is higher than the CTAT voltage, a current drawn in thecircuit block B₅ increases with the temperature.

The circuit blocks B₇ and B₈ are provided such that PTAT currents flowthrough the circuit blocks B₇ and B₈. The circuit block B₇ is connectedto the circuit blocks B₁, B₅, and B₈, and the circuit block B₈ isconnected to the circuit block B₅ via a node P shown in FIG. 6.

The circuit block B₆ is connected to the circuit blocks B₅ and B₈ viathe node P. The circuit block B₆ automatically passes a current suchthat the circuit blocks B₅ and B₈ draw in the circuit. Also, the circuitblock B₆ is a current mirror circuit of the combined current.

The circuit block B₉ is a current mirror circuit that supplies the biascurrent I_(B) to the transistor Tr serving as the power amplifier.

FIG. 5 illustrates the correspondence between FIG. 4 and FIG. 6.

The circuit block B₁ includes transistors Tr11 to Tr14 and Tr17,resistors R8 and R9, an operational amplifier OP, and a connectionterminal 131. The circuit block B₂ includes transistors Tr15, Tr16,Tr18, and Tr19, and a resistor R10. The circuit block B₃ includestransistors Tr1 and Tr2, resistors R1 to R3, and a diode D.

The circuit block B₅ includes transistors Tr5 and Tr6. The circuit blockB₆ includes transistors Tr7 and Tr8. The circuit block B₇ includes atransistor Tr3 and a resistor R4. The circuit block B₈ includes atransistor Tr4 and a resistor R5. The circuit block B₉ includestransistors Tr9 and Tr10, and resistors R6 and R7.

Next, details of the bias circuit 101 will be described with referenceto FIG. 4.

The bias circuit 101 includes a bias current generating circuit 111including the first to tenth transistors Tr1 to Tr10, the first toseventh resistors R1 to R7, and the diode D. The bias current generatingcircuit 111 is configured to generate the bias current I_(B).

The first transistor Tr1 is a P-type MOSFET, and includes a gateterminal supplied with a control voltage V_(P1). The control voltageV_(P1) is an example of a first control voltage (or current) of thepresent invention, and increases linearly with respect to the absolutetemperature. Therefore, the control voltage V_(P1) becomes a PTATvoltage, if the control voltage V_(P1) at the absolute zero temperatureis set to zero.

The second transistor Tr2 is a P-type MOSFET, and includes a gateterminal supplied with a control voltage V_(C2). The control voltageV_(C2) is an example of a second control voltage (or current) of thepresent invention, and is independent of the absolute temperature.Therefore, the control voltage V_(C2) is a CTAT voltage that does notchange depending on the absolute temperature.

Source terminals of the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 are connected to a powerline Vcc. A drain terminal of the transistor Tr1 is connected to ananode of the diode D via the resistors R1 and R3, and a drain terminalof the transistor Tr2 is connected to the anode of the diode D via theresistors R2 and R3. A cathode of the diode D is connected to a groundline GND.

The third transistor Tr3 is an NPN bipolar transistor, and includes abase terminal supplied with a control current I_(P3). The controlcurrent I_(P3) is an example of a third control current (or voltage) ofthe present invention, and increases linearly with respect to theabsolute temperature, specifically, increases linearly in proportion tothe absolute temperature. Therefore, the control current I_(P3) is aPTAT current.

The fourth transistor Tr4 is an NPN bipolar transistor, and includes abase terminal supplied with a control current I_(P4). The controlcurrent I_(P4) is an example of a fourth control current (or voltage) ofthe present invention, and increases linearly with respect to theabsolute temperature, specifically, increases linearly in proportion tothe absolute temperature. Therefore, the control current I_(P4) is aPTAT current.

Base terminals of the transistors Tr3 and Tr4 are connected to eachother. An emitter terminal of the transistor Tr3 is connected to theground line GND via the resistor R4, and an emitter terminal of thetransistor Tr4 is connected to the ground line GND via the resistor R5.

The fifth and sixth transistors Tr5 and Tr6 are NPN bipolar transistors,and form a differential amplifier. A base terminal of the transistor Tr5is connected to the drain terminal of the transistor Tr2, and suppliedwith a current outputted from the transistor Tr2. A base terminal of thetransistor Tr5 is connected to a node N2 between the drain terminal ofthe transistor Tr2 and the resistor R2. On the other hand, a baseterminal of the transistor Tr6 is connected to the drain terminal of thetransistor Tr1, and supplied with a current output from the transistorTr1. A base terminal of the transistor Tr6 is connected to a node N1between the drain terminal of the transistor Tr1 and the resistor R1.

Emitter terminals of the transistors Tr5 and Tr6 are connected to acollector terminal of the transistor Tr3, and connected to each other. Acollector terminal of the transistor Tr5 is connected to the power lineVcc, and a collector terminal of the transistor Tr6 is connected to acollector terminal of the transistor Tr4.

The seventh and eighth transistors Tr7 and Tr8 are P-type MOSFETs, andform a current mirror circuit. Gate terminals of the transistors Tr7 andTr8 are connected to each other. Source terminals of the transistors Tr7and Tr8 are connected to the power line Vcc. A drain terminal of thetransistor Tr7 is connected to the collector terminals of thetransistors Tr4 and Tr6, and is connected to the gate terminals of thetransistors Tr7 and Tr8.

The ninth and tenth transistors Tr9 and Tr10 are NPN bipolartransistors. An emitter terminal of the transistor Tr9 is connected tothe ground line GND, and a collector terminal of the transistor Tr10 isconnected to the power line Vcc. A collector terminal of the transistorTr9 and a base terminal of the transistor Tr10 are connected to thedrain terminal of the transistor Tr8, and connected to each other. Abase terminal of the transistor Tr9 and an emitter terminal of thetransistor Tr10 are connected to the base terminal of the transistor Tr,and connected to each other. The transistor Tr10 is provided tocompensate a base current of the transistor Tr9.

The base terminal of the transistor Tr9 is connected to the emitterterminal of the transistor Tr10 via the resistor R6. The base terminalof the transistor Tr is connected to the emitter terminal of thetransistor Tr10 via the resistor R7. The transistor Tr9 and thetransistor Tr form a current mirror circuit.

FIG. 4 illustrates first to third currents I₁ to I₃ and currents I_(X1)to I_(X4) which flow in the bias current generating circuit 111.

The first current I₁ flows through the collector terminal of thetransistor Tr4. As described above, the base terminal of the transistorTr4 is supplied with the control current I_(P4) increasing in proportionto the absolute temperature.

Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the first current I₁ increases inproportion to the absolute temperature. FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating atemperature characteristic of the first current I₁. A circuit portionincluding the transistor Tr4 is an example of a first current generatingcircuit of the present invention.

On the other hand, the second current I₂ flows through the collectorterminal of the transistor Tr6. As described above, the gate terminalsof the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 are supplied with the control voltageV_(P1) increasing linearly with respect to the absolute temperature, andthe control voltage V_(C2) independent of the absolute temperature,respectively. Also, the base terminal of the transistor Tr3 is suppliedwith the control current I_(P3) increasing in proportion to the absolutetemperature. Also, the gate terminals of the transistors Tr5 and Tr6 areconnected to the drain terminals of the transistors Tr2 and Tr1,respectively.

Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the second current I₂ does not flowin the low-temperature region up to the predetermined temperature t1,and the second current I₂ flows in the high-temperature region equal toor higher than the predetermined temperature t1. FIG. 8 is a graphillustrating a temperature characteristic of the second current I₂. Adetailed process for realizing the temperature characteristic of FIG. 8is described later. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second current I₂ inthe high-temperature region increases with increasing temperature. Thecircuit portion including the transistors Tr1, Tr3, Tr5, and Tr6 is anexample of a second current generating circuit of the present invention.

Further, the third current I₃ flows through the drain terminal of thetransistor Tr7. As described above, the drain terminal of the transistorTr7 is connected to the collector terminals of the transistors Tr4 andTr6. Therefore, the third current I₃ corresponds to a current in whichthe first current I₁ and the second current I₂ are added (i.e.,I₃=I₁+I₂), and the third current I₃ has the temperature characteristicshown in FIG. 2.

Further, the currents I_(X1) to I_(X4) depend on the third current I₃.

The current I_(X1) flows through the drain terminal of the transistorTr8. As described above, the transistors Tr7 and Tr8 form the currentmirror circuit. Therefore, the current I_(X1) depends on the thirdcurrent I₃, specifically, has a current value that is n₁ times as largeas the current value of the third current I₃ (n₁ is a positive realnumber). Consequently, as with the third current I₃, the current I_(X1)has the temperature characteristic shown in FIG. 2.

The current I_(X2) flows through the emitter terminal of the transistorTr9. When the base current to the transistors Tr9 and Tr10 is notconsidered, the current I_(X2) has the same current value as the currentI_(X1). Therefore, as with the third current I₃, the current I_(X2) hasthe temperature characteristic shown in FIG. 2.

The current I_(X3) flows through the base terminal of the transistorTr9. Assuming that β is a current amplification factor of the transistorTr9 (and Tr), the current I_(X3) has a current value that is 1/β timesas large as the current value of the current I_(X2). Therefore, as withthe third current I₃, the current I_(X3) has the temperaturecharacteristic shown in FIG. 2.

The currents I_(X3) and I_(X4) flow through the resistors R6 and R7,respectively. As described above, the transistors Tr9 and Tr form thecurrent mirror circuit. Therefore, the current I_(X4) depends on thecurrent I₃, specifically, has a current value that is n₂ times as largeas the current value of the current I_(X3) (n₂ is a positive realnumber). Consequently, as with the third current I₃, the current I_(X4)has the temperature characteristic shown in FIG. 2.

The bias current generating circuit 111 outputs the bias current I_(B)that is the current I_(X4) (i.e., I_(B)=I_(X4)). Consequently, the biascurrent I_(B) has the temperature characteristic shown in FIG. 2. Inthis way, the bias current I_(B) having the temperature characteristicshown in FIG. 2 can be generated in the first embodiment. The currentI_(X4) is an example of a fourth current of the present invention. Thebias current I_(B) outputted from the bias current generating circuit111 may be the third current I₃, or may be a current except for thecurrent I_(X4) depending on the third current I₃.

The detailed process for realizing the temperature characteristic ofFIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a graphillustrating temperature characteristics of potentials at the nodes N1and N2 (FIG. 4). In FIG. 9, a horizontal axis indicates an absolutetemperature [K], and a vertical axis indicates a potential [V].

The current that flows through the node N1 is a PTAT current. Therefore,as illustrated by a straight line N1 in FIG. 9, the potential at thenode N1 has a flat temperature characteristic that is maintained at aconstant value irrespective of the temperature.

On the other hand, the current that flows through the node N2 is a CTATcurrent. Therefore, as illustrated by a straight line N2 in FIG. 9, thepotential at the node N2 has a monotonously decreased temperaturecharacteristic that decreases linearly with respect to the temperature.

A temperature t11 indicates an absolute temperature at which thepotential at the node N1 is equal to the potential at the node N2. Thetemperature t11 is higher than the predetermined temperature t1 (thatis, t1<t11).

In a temperature region lower than the temperature t1, the potential atthe node N2 is sufficiently higher than the potential at the node N1.Therefore, a current flows through the collector terminal of thetransistor Tr5, but a current does not flow through the collectorterminal of the transistor Tr6. Accordingly, the current value of thesecond current I₂ is zero.

When the temperature reaches t1, a small amount of current starts toflow through the collector terminal of the transistor Tr6. Accordingly,the current value of the second current I₂ increases gradually fromzero.

When the temperature further reaches t11, the potential at the node N1becomes equal to the potential at the node N2. At this point, thecurrent that flows through the collector terminal of the transistor Tr6becomes the same current value as the current that flows through thecollector terminal of the transistor Tr5.

In a temperature region higher than the temperature t11, the potentialat the node N2 becomes lower than the potential at the node N1. At thispoint, the current that flows through the collector terminal of thetransistor Tr6 becomes larger than the current value of the current thatflows through the collector terminal of the transistor Tr5.

Through the above-described process, the second current I₂ does not flowin the low-temperature region up to the predetermined temperature t1,and flows in the high-temperature region equal to or higher than thepredetermined temperature t1.

Referring to FIG. 4, the description of the bias circuit 101 will becontinued.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the bias circuit 101 includes first to thirdcontrol circuits 121 to 123.

The first control circuit 121 is configured to supply the controlvoltage V_(P1) to the transistor Tr1. The first control circuit 121outputs a voltage Vt increasing linearly with respect to the absolutetemperature, and supplies the voltage Vt as the control voltage V_(P1)to the transistor Tr1. For example, the first control circuit 121 has abandgap voltage generating circuit that outputs the bandgap voltage asthe voltage Vt.

The second control circuit 122 is configured to supply the controlvoltage V_(C2) to the transistor Tr2.

The third control circuit 123 is configured to supply the controlcurrents I_(P3) and I_(P4) to the transistors Tr3 and Tr4, respectively.The third control circuit 123 outputs the control current I_(P5) havinga current value increasing in proportion to the absolute temperature. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, the third control circuit 123 supplies a part ofthe control current I_(P5) as the control current I_(P3) to thetransistor Tr3, and supplies the other part of the control currentI_(P5) as the control current I_(P4) to the transistor Tr4 (i.e.,I_(P5)=I_(P3)+I_(P4)). In this way, the control currents I_(P3) andI_(P4) depending on the control current I_(P5) are supplied to thetransistors Tr3 and Tr4, respectively. The control current I_(P5) is anexample of a fifth control current (or voltage) of the presentinvention. The third control circuit 123 is an example of a controlcircuit of the present invention.

The third control circuit 123 includes a connection terminal 131 capableof being connected with the external resistor. In FIG. 4, the externalresistor connected to the connection terminal 131 is indicated by R_(X).The external resistor R_(X) is disposed outside an LSI provided with thetemperature compensation circuit of FIG. 1. As is understood from thecircuit configuration of FIG. 4, a resistance value of the externalresistor R_(X) has an influence on the current values of the controlcurrents I_(P3) and I_(P4) through the current value of the controlcurrent I_(P5). Further, the current values of the control currentsI_(P3) and I_(P4) have influences on the current values of the first andsecond currents I₁ and I₂. Therefore, in the first embodiment, thecurrent values of the first and second currents I₁ and I₂ can beadjusted by adjusting the resistance value of the external resistor Rx.In this way, the third control circuit 123 is capable of controlling thefirst and second currents I₁ and I₂. Details of the adjustments of thesecurrents are described later.

The third control circuit 123 further includes the eleventh tofourteenth transistors Tr11 to Tr14, the eighth and ninth resistor R8and R9, and the operational amplifier OP.

The operational amplifier OP includes a non-inverting input terminalconnected to the ground line GND via the resistor R8, and an invertinginput terminal connected to the connection terminal 131. Thenon-inverting input terminal is an example of a first input terminal ofthe present invention, and the inverting input terminal is an example ofa second input terminal of the present invention. The non-invertinginput terminal of the operational amplifier OP is supplied with avoltage that changes linearly with respect to the absolute temperaturefrom the outside of the third control circuit 123.

The eleventh and twelfth transistors Tr11 and Tr12 are P-type MOSFETs.Gate terminals of the transistors Tr11 and Tr12 are connected to anoutput terminal of the operational amplifier OP. Source terminals of thetransistors Tr11 and Tr12 are connected to the power line Vcc. A drainterminal of the transistor Tr11 is connected to the connection terminal131 and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP.

The thirteenth and fourteenth transistors Tr13 and Tr14 are NPN bipolartransistors. An emitter terminal of the transistor Tr13 is connected tothe ground line GND via the resistor R9, and a collector terminal of thetransistor Tr14 is connected to the power line Vcc. A collector terminalof the transistor Tr13 and a base terminal of the transistor Tr14 areconnected to the drain terminal of the transistor Tr12, and connected toeach other. A base terminal of the transistor Tr13 and an emitterterminal of the transistor Tr14 are connected to the base terminals ofthe transistors Tr3 and Tr4, and connected to each other. The transistorTr14 is provided to compensate a base current of the transistor Tr13.

The second control circuit 122 includes the fifteenth and sixteenthtransistors Tr15 and Tr16, and the tenth resistor R10.

The fifteenth and sixteenth transistors Tr15 and Tr16 are NPN bipolartransistors. A collector terminal of the transistor Tr15 and a baseterminal of the transistor Tr16 are connected to each other, and theseterminals are supplied with currents that depend on the voltage Vt fromthe outside of the second control circuit 122. A base terminal of thetransistor Tr15 and an emitter terminal of the transistor Tr16 areconnected to the ground line GND via the resistor R10, and connected toeach other. An emitter terminal of the transistor Tr15 is connected tothe ground line GND, and a collector terminal of the transistor Tr16 isconnected to the gate terminal of the transistor Tr2. The transistorTr16 is provided to compensate a base current of the transistor Tr15.

Further, the bias circuit 101 includes the seventeenth to nineteenthtransistors Tr17 to Tr19.

The seventeenth and eighteenth transistors Tr17 and Tr18 are P-typeMOSFETs. Gate terminals of the transistors Tr17 and Tr18 are suppliedwith the voltage Vt from the first control circuit 121. Source terminalof the transistors Tr17 and Tr18 are connected to the power line Vcc. Adrain terminal of the transistor Tr17 is connected to the ground lineGND via the resistor R8, and connected to the non-inverting inputterminal of the operational amplifier OP. A drain terminal of thetransistor Tr18 is connected to the collector terminal of the transistorTr15 and the base terminal of the transistor Tr16.

In this way, the transistor Tr17 supplies the current and voltage thatdepend on the voltage Vt to the third control circuit 123. Similarly,the transistor Tr18 supplies the current and voltage that depend on thevoltage Vt to the second control circuit 122.

The nineteenth transistor Tr19 is a P-type NOSFET. A source terminal ofthe transistor Tr19 is connected to the power line Vcc. A drain terminalof the transistor Tr19 is connected to the collector terminal of thetransistor Tr16. A gate terminal of the transistor Tr19 is connected tothe collector terminal of the transistor Tr16, and connected to the gateterminal of the transistor Tr2.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the bias current I_(B)having the temperature characteristic shown in FIG. 2 can be generated.The bias current I_(B) has the current value that increases inproportion to the absolute temperature in the low-temperature region,and has the greater current value than the current value proportional tothe absolute temperature in the high-temperature region.

The temperature characteristic of the bias current I_(B) depends on thefirst and second currents I₁ and I₂. This will be described withreference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the temperaturecharacteristic of the bias current I_(B) like FIG. 2.

The temperature characteristic of the first current I₁ is illustrated inFIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first current I₁ increases inproportion to the absolute temperature. On the other hand, thetemperature characteristic of the second current I₂ is illustrated inFIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second current I₂ does not flow inthe low-temperature region up to the predetermined temperature t1, andflows in the high-temperature region equal to or higher than thepredetermined temperature t1.

Therefore, as illustrated by a letter α in FIG. 10, the magnitude of thefirst current I₁ determines a gradient of a proportional relationindicated by a dotted line. For this reason, the gradient of theproportional relation can be adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of thefirst current I₁ in the first embodiment. This corresponds to theadjustment of a rate of change of the bias current I_(B) againsttemperature in the low-temperature region.

Further, as illustrated by a letter β in FIG. 10, the magnitude of thesecond current I₂ determines an amount of increase in bias current I_(B)against the proportional relation indicated by the dotted line. For thisreason, the amount of increase in bias current I_(B) can be adjusted byadjusting the magnitude of the second current I₂ in the firstembodiment. This corresponds to the adjustment of a compensation amountof the bias current I_(B) in the high-temperature region.

On the other hand, as described above, the magnitudes (current values)of the first and second currents I₁ and I₂ can be adjusted by adjustingthe resistance value of the external resistor R_(X). Therefore, in thisembodiment, the temperature characteristic of the bias current I_(B) canbe adjusted by adjusting the external resistor R_(X). Consequently,according to this embodiment, the temperature compensation of the biascurrent I_(B) can finely be adjusted. In finely adjusting thetemperature compensation, it is considered that the adjustment of thecompensation amount β in the high-temperature region is required morefrequently than the adjustment of the change rate α in thelow-temperature region. Therefore, in the first embodiment, only themagnitude of the second current I₂ may be capable of being adjusted bythe external resistor R_(X), with respect to the magnitudes of first andsecond currents I₁ and I₂. For example, such an adjustment can berealized by forming a current mirror circuit of the transistors Tr4 andTr17 in the bias circuit 101 of FIG. 4 so as to supply the transistorTr4 with the current from the transistor Tr17.

Further, in the bias circuit 101 of FIG. 4, the magnitude of the secondcurrent I₂ also determines a height of the predetermined temperature t1.Therefore, in the first embodiment, the height of the predeterminedtemperature t1 can be adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of the secondcurrent I₂, if the configuration of the bias circuit 101 is modified.For example, such a configuration can be realized by replacing theresistor R1 or R2 with an external resistor.

Further, in the first embodiment, the transistor Tr1 is controlled bythe control voltage V_(P1), and the transistor Tr3 is controlled by thecontrol current I_(P3). In other words, the transistors Tr1 and Tr3 arecontrolled by the different control signals. Therefore, in the firstembodiment, the temperature compensation of the bias current I_(B) canfinely be adjusted without influencing the control of the transistorTr1.

As described above, in this embodiment, the bias current I_(B) has thecurrent value that increases in proportion to the absolute temperaturein the low-temperature region, and has the greater current value thanthe current value proportional to the absolute temperature in thehigh-temperature region. Further, in this embodiment, the magnitudes ofthe first and second currents I₁ and I₂ can be adjusted by adjusting theresistance value of the external resistor R_(X). Consequently, accordingto this embodiment, the temperature compensation of the gain can beperformed even in the high-temperature region, and the temperaturecompensation can finely be adjusted, in a circuit that processes ahigh-frequency signal.

In the first embodiment, each of the transistors Tr1 to Tr19 may be abipolar transistor or an MOSFET. The base terminal of the bipolartransistor is an example of a control terminal of the present invention,and the emitter and collector terminals of the bipolar transistor areexamples of main terminals of the present invention. The bipolartransistor may be a PNP transistor or an NPN transistor. Similarly, thegate terminal of the MOSFET is an example of the control terminal of thepresent invention, and the source and drain terminals of the MOSFET areexamples of the main terminals of the present invention. The MOSFET maybe a P-type transistor or an N-type transistor.

For example, the temperature compensation circuit of the firstembodiment is used in a power amplifier for ETC (Electric TollCollection system). Additionally, the temperature compensation circuitof the first embodiment can be applied to an analog circuit part forwireless communication, for a mobile telephone (such as WCDMA, GSM, PDC,NADC, and the like), DSRC, a digital TV, an analog TV, WiMAX, a wirelessLAN, and specified low power wireless communication, for example.

In addition to the power amplifier and the wireless communication, thetemperature compensation circuit of the first embodiment can be appliedto various circuits (such as a mixer) as long as the gain increases bythe current flowing.

The gain characteristic shown in FIG. 3 is often generated in a GHz(gigahertz) band circuit. Therefore, the temperature compensationcircuit of the first embodiment is usefully applied to the GHz bandcircuit. However, the temperature compensation circuit of the firstembodiment can also be applied to other circuits. For example, inaddition to the GHz band circuit, the temperature compensation circuitof the first embodiment is also useful to a circuit in which the gaincharacteristic shown in FIG. 3 is generated.

In FIG. 4, the transistors Tr1, Tr2, Tr7, Tr8 and the like are theP-type MOSFETs. Alternatively, the transistors Tr1, Tr2, Tr7, Tr8, andthe like may be PNP bipolar transistors. However, when the transistorsTr1 and the like are the P-type MOSFETs, advantageously the circuit areais reduced to be able to achieve the cost reduction of an integratedcircuit, compared with a case where the transistors Tr1 and the like arethe PNP bipolar transistors.

Further, sometimes a large current flows through a base of a PNP bipolartransistor. On the other hand, a current does not flow through a gate ofa P-type MOSFET. This is also an advantage of the case where thetransistors Tr1 and the like are the P-type MOSFETs.

In FIG. 4, the transistors Tr3, Tr4, Tr5, Tr6 and the like are the NPNbipolar transistors. Alternatively, the transistors Tr3, Tr4, Tr5, Tr6and the like may be N-type MOSFETs. However, when the transistors Tr3and the like are the NPN bipolar transistors, advantageously the circuitarea is reduced while the characteristic is improved, compared with acase where the transistors Tr3 and the like are the N-type MOSFETs.

Hereinafter, second and third embodiments will be described. Since theseembodiments are modifications of the first embodiment, differencesbetween these embodiments and the first embodiment will mainly bedescribed below.

Second and Third Embodiments

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a biascurrent generating circuit 111 of the second embodiment.

In FIG. 4, the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 are the P-type MOSFETs. On theother hand, in FIG. 11, the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 are PNP bipolartransistors. Therefore, in FIG. 11, the control voltage V_(P1) isreplaced by a control current I_(P1) that increases in proportion to theabsolute temperature, and the control voltage V_(C2) is replaced by acontrol current I_(C2) that is independent of the absolute temperature.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a biascurrent generating circuit 111 of the third embodiment.

In FIG. 4, the transistors Tr3 and Tr4 are the NPN bipolar transistors.On the other hand, in FIG. 12, the transistors Tr3 and Tr4 are N-typeMOSFETs. Therefore, in FIG. 12, the control currents I_(P3), I_(P4), andI_(P5) are replaced by control voltages V_(P3), V_(P4), and V_(P5) thatincrease linearly with respect to the absolute temperature. Arelationship of I_(P3)+I_(P4)=I_(P5) holds in the control currentsI_(P3), I_(P4), and I_(P5), and a relationship of V_(P3)=V_(P4)=V_(P5)holds in the control voltages V_(P3), V_(P4), and V_(P5).

In FIG. 12, because the transistors Tr3 and Tr4 are MOSFETs, theresistors R4 and R5 need not to be provided. When the transistors Tr3and Tr4 are the MOSFETs, preferably the transistor Tr13 (see FIG. 4) isalso an MOSFET. In this case, the resistor R9 (see FIG. 4) needs not tobe provided.

According to the second and third embodiments, as with the firstembodiment, the temperature compensation of the gain can be performedeven in the high-temperature region, and the temperature compensationcan finely be adjusted, in a circuit that processes a high-frequencysignal.

As described above, according to the temperature compensation circuit ofthe embodiments of the present invention, the temperature compensationof the gain can be performed even in the high-temperature region, andthe temperature compensation can finely be adjusted, in a circuit thatprocesses a high-frequency signal.

Although examples of specific aspects of the present invention aredescribed above with reference to the first to third embodiments, thepresent invention is not limited to these embodiments.

1. A temperature compensation circuit comprising: a bias circuitconfigured to output a bias current having a current value increasing inproportion to an absolute temperature in a low-temperature region inwhich a temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, andhaving a greater current value than the current value proportional tothe absolute temperature in a high-temperature region in which thetemperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature;and a transistor having a control terminal supplied with the biascurrent, the bias circuit comprising: a first transistor having acontrol terminal supplied with a first control current or voltage havinga current value or a voltage value changing linearly with respect to theabsolute temperature; a second transistor having a control terminalsupplied with a second control current or voltage having a current valueor a voltage value independent of the absolute temperature; a thirdtransistor having a control terminal supplied with a third controlcurrent or voltage having a current value or a voltage value changinglinearly with respect to the absolute temperature; a fourth transistorhaving a control terminal supplied with a fourth control current orvoltage having a current value or a voltage value changing linearly withrespect to the absolute temperature, and having a main terminal throughwhich a first current flows, the first current increasing in proportionto the absolute temperature; a fifth transistor having a controlterminal connected to the main terminal of the second transistor, afirst main terminal connected to the main terminal of the thirdtransistor, and a second main terminal; a sixth transistor having acontrol terminal connected to the main terminal of the first transistor,a first main terminal connected to the main terminal of the thirdtransistor, and a second main terminal through which a second currentflows, the second current not flowing in the high-temperature region andflowing in the, low-temperature region; and a control circuit configuredto supply the third control current or voltage to the third transistor,and having a connection terminal capable of being connected with anexternal resistor for adjusting a magnitude of the second current, thebias circuit being configured to generate a third current by adding thefirst current to the second current, and output the bias current that isthe third current or a fourth current depending on the third current. 2.The compensation circuit according to claim 1, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to supply the third and fourth control currents orvoltages to the third and fourth transistors, respectively, and amagnitude of the first current and the magnitude of the second currentare capable of being adjusted by the external resistor.
 3. Thecompensation circuit according to claim 1, wherein the control circuitis configured to output a fifth control current or voltage having acurrent value or a voltage value changing linearly with respect to theabsolute temperature, the control circuit is configured to supply thethird control current or voltage depending on the fifth control currentor voltage to the third transistor, and the control circuit isconfigured to supply the fourth control current or voltage depending onthe fifth control current or voltage to the fourth transistor.
 4. Thecompensation circuit according to claim 1, wherein the transistorsupplied with the bias current further includes a first main terminalconnected to a power supply terminal, and a second main terminalconnected to a ground line to output an output current, and isconfigured to serve as a power amplifier.
 5. The compensation circuitaccording to claim 1, wherein the first control voltage is a bandgapvoltage.
 6. The compensation circuit according to claim 1, wherein thebias circuit further comprises: a diode having an anode connected to themain terminals of the first and second transistors, and a cathodeconnected to a ground line.
 7. The compensation circuit according toclaim 1, wherein the bias circuit further comprises: a first resistorprovided between the first transistor and the diode; a second resistorprovided between the second transistor and the diode; and a thirdresistor provided between the first and second resistors and the diode.8. The compensation circuit according to claim 7, wherein the controlterminal of the sixth transistor is connected to a first node locatedbetween the main terminal of the first transistor and the firstresistor, and the control terminal of the fifth transistor is connectedto a second node located between the main terminal of the secondtransistor and the second resistor.
 9. The compensation circuitaccording to claim 8, wherein a potential at the first node is keptconstant irrespective of the temperature, and a potential at the secondnode changes linearly with respect to the absolute temperature.
 10. Thecompensation circuit according to claim 1, wherein the bias circuitfurther comprises: a fourth resistor connected between the thirdtransistor and a ground line; and a fifth resistor connected between thefourth transistor and the ground line.
 11. The compensation circuitaccording to claim 1, wherein the bias circuit further comprises: aseventh transistor having a main terminal connected to the main terminalof the fourth transistor and the second main terminal of the sixthtransistor; an eighth transistor having a control terminal connected toa control terminal of the seventh transistor; a ninth transistor havinga control terminal connected to a main terminal of the eighthtransistor, and a main terminal connected to the control terminal of thetransistor supplied with the bias current; and a tenth transistor havinga control terminal connected to the main terminal of the ninthtransistor, and a main terminal connected to the control terminal of theninth transistor.
 12. The compensation circuit according to claim 11,wherein the bias circuit further comprises: a sixth resistor connectedbetween the control terminal of the ninth transistor and the mainterminal of the tenth transistor; and a seventh resistor connectedbetween the sixth resistor and the control terminal of the transistorsupplied with the bias current.
 13. The compensation circuit accordingto claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises: an operationalamplifier having a first input terminal supplied with a voltage changinglinearly with respect to the absolute temperature, and a second inputterminal connected to the connection terminal; an eleventh transistorhaving a control terminal connected to an output terminal of theoperational amplifier, and a main terminal connected to the connectionterminal; a twelfth transistor having a control terminal connected tothe output terminal of the operational amplifier; a thirteenthtransistor having a main terminal connected to a main terminal of thetwelfth transistor, and control terminal connected connected to thecontrol terminals of the third and fourth transistors; and a fourteenthtransistor having a control terminal connected to the main terminal ofthe thirteenth transistor, and a main terminal connected to the controlterminal of the thirteenth transistor.
 14. The compensation circuitaccording to claim 13, wherein the control circuit further comprises: aneighth resistor connected between the first input terminal of theoperational amplifier and a ground line; and a ninth resistor connectedbetween the thirteenth transistor and the ground line.